The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-16
IDEAS OF THE EDUCATORS
The County Superintendent Meet to
Discuss Methods of School Work.
An Unusually Large Attendance at Their
MISUNDERSTANDING Exercises of the
State Deaf and Dumb Institute.

The annual nesting OF the County Supefln-
tendents' Association began et Plymouth Church
yesterday. with attendance Of seventy-four
ont of membership of ninety-two. This is the
largest number the association has had present
first days session James A. MARROW, of
Sullivan, presided. with Calvin Moon, of st.
Joseph. as secretary.
But little time used in preliminary bust
ness the greater part of the morning being de-
voted to the consideration of the topic, "Civics
in the Common School" j. w. Nourse. Of
Spencer county, read paper thereon, in which
he argued that America is special field for
such instruction, account Of the variety OF
nationsiities represented in her citizenship.
The placing of the study in university
courses has been urged by such eminent
men as Chief-justice Waite, Senators Hawley
and Colquit, and Presidents Porter and Andrews
Mr.. Nourse thought it ought be allowed a
place in the common achools. Here the ethics
of government could be taught and patriotism
could be encouraged through stories illustrative
of the love of country and free institutions.
Frequently the teacher should give lessons upon
the study of civil government. Geography af-
forded good opportunity for teaching the sci
ence of citizenship in the common schools.
Economics ought also to have attention in the
of material and school supplies.
W. B. Sinclair, of Starks county. opened the
discussion on this paper. il which he said: The
nature of free institutions makes universal
knowledge in politics almost iudispen sable The
government is product OF the state and the
state is composed of citizens republic rests
free institutions and free institutions
only exist among free men, and men can not be
free who are Ilterate, or the dupes of others, or
slaves of their own passions. Civics ought to
be taught in the schools, because of the great
immi grafton from various nations having Ian
guaee laws and sentiments wholly different
from the American type.
Prof r. G. Boone, of the State University,
said the factors in civic instruction might be
thoroughly familiar with, and give him sympa-
thy with the local and general institutional
spirit the genius of government, the nature of
industry, the significance of social forms. This
lesson is the first foreigners need to learn when
they come to our shores-to know the new inter-
pretations of our social factors Second, Guilt
conventional leading Third. give frequent.
constant lessons the forces and elements Of
social life. Make it plain to the youngest the
importance and the simplicity of current social
questions, State and community interests and
local matters
The subject was further discussed by w. A.
Bell, editor of the Indiana School Journal, Su
perintendents Lewellsn, Wilson and Scott
In the afternoon Superintendent Spohn, of
Elkhart county. read a paper on Character of
Instruction in County Institutes" in which he
expressed the idea that the classes of instruction
are professional and entertaining. The former
includes all the exercises designed principles,
from which can be evolved methods for practical
use in the school-room. A single method before
a teachers institute proves great failure
as monotonous process of class work.
Sum marily, that method which causes the great
est earnestness, enthusiasm and healthful.
thoughtful discussion of school work must be
pronounced the most successful. Every iusti-
tute programme should contain exercises to en-
tertan-the best music obtainable reciting and
pleasant short diversions from the instructive
part of the programme. The instruction should
be available to the general teacher and must be
largely the experiences of the best teachers. 1t
must bear upon principles and methods rather
than upon subjects. Failures are due to a want
of correct knowledge of a system of education.
The discussion of this topic was developed by
w. h Porter, of Porter county.
Amos Burns, of Bartholomew scounty, read
paper on THE Teachers Scholarship. in which
he enumerated the many important cuafca-
tions required by teacher. He believed that
the people of Indiana have the means. without
heavy burden, to pay salaries that would secure
much higher average scholarship than teachers
now have and that ere long tho people will act
in this direction. This is in the line of true
economy. More than half the money now ex-
pended for the district schools is wasted from
the lack of scholarship and skill of the teachers
School boards must be urged to pay fair com
pensation skillful teachers
The Association will meet again this morning
at o'clock